Music-sheet-tracking device



N. C. FERRSS.

MUSIC SHEET TRACKNG DEVICE.

APPLlCATION -HLED MAY 3. 1920.

1,365,312. Patented Jan. 11, 1921;

UNITED STATES nonnz CLARENCE anna s, or NEW YORK, n. Y.

MUSIC-SHEET-TRACKING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

Application filed May 3, 1920. Serial No. 378549.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NUNnz CLAnnnon F ERRIS, 'a citizen of theUnited States, residing in the city of New York, borough of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Music-Sheet- Traoking Devices, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to devices for automatically maintaining the perforations in the moving music-sheet in alinement with the music-ports of the tracker-bar in selfplaying musical instruments, and the object of the invention is to provide simple and eminently eflicient means for automatically accomplishing the desired result by shifting the tracker-bar as required in following the lines of perforations in the sheet.

Another important object is to provide means for shifting the tracker-bar in transposing or raising or lowering the pitch or key as desired, and for maintaining the alinement in the changed position of the bar.

The invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangement by which the above and other objects are attained, to be hereinafter described and claimed. 1

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and show the invention as it has been carried out in practice.

Figure 1 is a front elevation showing the tracker-box and adjacent portions of the mechanism, sufliciently to permit the inven tion to be understood.

Fig. 2 is a corresponding plan view, partly in horizontal section.

*Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of the trackerbar, on a larger scale.

Figs. 4:, 5 and 6 are vertical sections taken respectively on the lines el4, 5-5 and 6-6 in Fig. 3. I

Fig. '7 is a horizontal section through the pneumatic controlling the shifting movements of the tracker-bar.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical section of the same, taken on the line 8-8 in Fig. 7, and partly in elevation.

Fig. 9 is an elevation of a portion of the tracker-bar.

Similar letters of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.

A A-are the side walls ofthe tracker-box, B i the music-roll, B the winding spool, and B? the gearing, only partially represented, for driving the roll and spool, all of the usual orany approved construction.

C 1s the tracker-bar suspended by a link C at each end, pivotally connected to the walls A A or other relatively fixed support, and free to swing longitudinally in both directions. Its rear face rides on antifriction rollers A A mounted in the side-walls A, see Fig. 2, and it is held in contact with the rollers by gravity and the tension of the music-sheet M. The tracker-bar is provided with the usual music ports 0 having nipples 0 connected by tubes, not shown, to the player pneumatics as usual.

At one end of the tracker-bar is a longitudinal dovetailed recess or undercut groove 0 in which is mounted a slide D matching to the groove and to the outer face of the bar, and movable longitudinally thereof. The slide ha a port (Z and a connecting nipple (Z therefrom extending through the slot 0 in the bar, leading from the groove 0 E is a thin narrow rod or strip, preferably of steel, lying in a shallow groove 0 in the rear face of the tracker-bar and confined therein by fixed bridges C The rod projects longitudinally beyond one end of the tracker-bar and forms the connection by which the tracker-bar is swung or shifted as required in maintaining alinement of the music-port 0 with the music perforations in the music-sheet.

The rod E i positively but adjustably connected to the slide D by a nut E mounted on a screw E fixed on the rod, and protruding through a close-fitting slot (Z in the slide, so that it may be turned from the front. The movement of the tracker-bar is automatically effected through the rod E by means of a peculiarly constructed pneumatic mounted adjacent the tracker-box.

This pneumatic comprises a horizontally disposed base F having two cavities F F located side by side therein, each covered by a flexible diaphragm, marked F F respectively. The diaphragm F* is of considerably greater area than the diaphragm F the latter carries a vertical stud F and the diaphragm F carries a similar stud F The studs are connected to opposite arms of a light beam G fixed on a transverse shaft mounted in bearings F on the base F between the diaphragms, and having a vertical arm G pivotally connected to the projecting end of the rod E.

Thus arranged, a tilting movement of the beam G causes the arm G to swing in a vertical are and induces a corresponding longitudinal movement of the tracker-bar C relatively to the music-sheet M, and if such movements be properly initiated and controlled, the desired alinement of ports and perforations will be maintained.

Leading from the cavity F is a nipple f connected to a suction pipe by which.

a partial vacuum is produced beneath the diaphragm F and leading from the cavity F beneath the diaphragm F is a nipple 7' connecting through a flexible tube 7 with the nipple (Z and port (Z in the slide D.

The port (Z is located by adjustment to lie partially covered by the margin of the music-sheet M, with the port nearly closed under normal conditions of proper alinement. A constricted. bleed-opening h in the wall of the cavity F connects through a bleed passage 71 with the cavity F and is controlled by a needle valve H, allowing the partial vacuum in the cavity F to draw continually from the cavity F a limited amount of air, entering at the partly closed port (Z, just suflioient to hold both diaphragms balanced and the arm G practically stationary.

hen the music-sheet travels to the right, in Fig. 1, in the direction to cover the port (Z, the admission of air is lessened or stopped and a partial vacuum forms in the cavity F by the exhaust through the bleed, and although the pressures may be equal in both cavities the area of the diaphragm F being greater than that of the diaphragm F permits the pressure of the atmosphere to force down the diaphragm F against any opposition by the diaphragm F tilt the beam G and through the arm G and rod E, swing the trackerbar to the right to open or expose the port (Z, and by such movement again bring the music-ports 0 into alinement with the music 5 perforations.

When the musicsheet M wanders to the left, in Fig. 1, and admits air too freely through the port (I, as by completely uncovering the latter, atmospheric pressure in the cavity F 2 equals the external atmospheric pressure and the diaphragm F is neutralized; thus conditioned air pressure 011 the smaller diaphragm becomes effective and by forcing down this diaphragm tilts the beam. G in the opposite direction and through its connections shifts the tlilCkQP bar to the left until the port (l is again partially closed. The preferred normal condition is illustrated by the dotted line in Fig. 9 which indicates the margin of the sheet M relatively to the port.

It will be noted that the alinement is maintained and the shifting movement of the tracker-bar induced in both directions by the position of the sheet-margin relatively to a single port (1, and by adjusting the slide D, through the medium of the nut E and screw E the port may be located very exactly in position to insure perfeet alinement.

Transposition to a higher or lower key forms an important part of the invention and the alinement mechanism above described permits its easy accomplishment.

On the rear faceof the rod E is secured a short rack J in the teeth of which meshes a small pinion J located above the rack and operated ly a head J on the front of the tracker-bar. The lower face of the rack is notched transversely and a spring dog K mounted on the tracker-bar is arranged to engage either of the notches presented thereto. The notches are spaced to correspond to the spaces between adjacent ports 0, so that by partially rotating the pinion J the entire tracker-bar may be moved to the right or left (Figs. 1 and 2) relatively to the rod l?) and correspondingly lower or raise the key in which the music will be played.

Four notches j j, j and are shown, see Fig. 3, which it will be noted is reversed relatively to Figs. 1 and 2. \Vhen the dog K is engaged in the notch j the key will be normal; with the dog engaged in the notch j as in Fig. 3, the key is lowered one half tone; engagement in the notch lowers the key another half tone or one whole note below normal, and when engaged in the notch i the key will be raised one half tone above normal. The number of notches and corresponding changes in key may be varied as found desirable.

If the notches are exactly spaced the transposition in nowise affects the alinement action, for the reason that the slide .l) with its port (Z is corrcspomlingly moved if however the shift for transposition throws the music ports 0 out of alinement vith the music perforations, the port (Z may be readily adjusted by the nut E to make 11 any necessary correction relatively to the margin of the music-sheet.

Modifications may be made in the fo ms and proportions without departing from the invention in adapting it to various types of self-playing instruments.

The tracker-bar may be supported by other means than the suspension links C; the latter are preferred as offering freedom of movement with a minimum of friction, and the transposition device may be employed with other forms of alinement devices.

I claim 1. In a device of the character set forth. a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having music ports and a single alinemcnt port, and means actuated by the position of said sheet relatively to such alinement port, for moving said tracker-bar in either direction and maintaining alinement of its music ports with such perforations.

2. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having music ports and a single alinement port, and means actuated by the lateral deviations of said sheet to expose or cover a greater portion of such alinement port, for moving said tracker-bar in either direction and maintaining alines mentof its music ports with such perforations.

3. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having a single alinement port, means actuated by the lateral deviations of, the music sheet to vary the exposed portion of such alinement port for moving said tracker-bar in either direction, and means for adjusting the location of such port relatively to said tracker-bar and sheet.

4. In a device of the character set forth, a music-sheet, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a slide in said bar ha ving a port therein, and means for adjusting said slide.

In a device of the character set forth, a music-sheet, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, and having a single alinement port, and means actuated by the position of the margin of said sheet rela tively to said port for automatically 1naintaining alinement of the music ports of said bar with the perforations in said sheet.

6. In a device of the character set forth, a music-sheet, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having a port there in. a pneumatic actuated by the lateral dcviations of said sheet to expose or cover a greater portion of such alinement port, and connecting means from said pneumatic to said bar tor moving the latter.

7. In adevice of the character set forth. a traveling music-sheet, a tracker-bar pended by links and arranged to be swung in both directions transversely of said sheet, and having a single alinement port, and means actuated by the position of the margin of said sheet relatively to such port, for automatically swinging said bar and main taining alinement of the music ports thereof with the perforations in said sheet.

8. In a device of the character set forth. a traveling music-sheet,- a freely suspended swinging trackerdoar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a slide movable longitudinally of said bar and having a port therein, a rod mounted on said bar and adjustably connected thereto, and a pneumatic actuated by the lateral deviations of said sheet to expose or cover a greater portion of such alinement port and connecting means from said pneumatic to said rod.

9. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet, a freely suspended swinging tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a slide movable longitudinally of said bar, having a port and a slot therein, a rod mounted on said bar, a screw on the latter, a nut on said screw, received in and matching to such slot, and a pneumatic actuated by the lateral dcviations of said sheet to expose or cover a greater portion of such alinement port. and connecting means from said pneumatic to said rod.

10. In a device of the character set forth. a traveling music-sheet, a tracker-bu movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a single aiinement port in said bar adapted to be controlled by said sheet, a pnew matic comprising a base having two cavities therein, a diaphragm for each cavity, one of greater area than the other, an air tube lea l ing from such port to the cavity having the larger diaphragm, an air-exhaust tube leading from tne cavity having the smaller diaphragm, a bleed passage connecting such cavities, and means actuated by the 2E1 VQ- ments of said diaphragms for moving said tracker-bar.

11. In a device of the character set orth, a traveling i'nusic-sheet, a tracker-bar :novable in both directions transver ely of said sheet, a single alinement port in said bar adapted to be controlled by said sheet, a pneumatic comprising a base having two cavities therein, a diaphragm for each cavity, one of greater area than the other. an air tube leading from such port to the ca having the larger diaphragm. an aiaexhaust tube leading from'the avit having the smaller diaphragm. a bi ed p; e (Outwiting such cavities. means for adjustably controlling such passage, and means actur by the movements of said diaphragms moving said tracker-bar.

12. In a device of the character set forth. a traveling music-sheet, a tracker-lair movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a single alinement port in said bar adapted to be controlled by said sheet, a pneumatic comprising a base having two :avities therein, a diaphragm for each ity, one of greater area than the other, an air tube leading from such port to the cavity having the larger diaphragm. an air-exhaust tube leading from the cavity having the smaller diaphragm, a bleed passage connecting such cavities, a rock-shaft between said cavities, a beam on said shaft connected to said diaphragms, an arm on said shaft, and a connection from said arm to said tracker-bar for moving the latter by the movements of said diaphragms.

13. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet, a tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet, a slide movable longitudinally of said bar, having a port and a slot therein, a rod mounted on said bar, a screw on the latter, a nut on said screw, received in and matching to such slot, a pneumatic comprising a base having two cavities therein, a diaphragm for each cavity, one of greater area than the other, an air tube leading from such port to the cavity having the larger diaphragm, an air-exhaust tube leading from the cavity having the smaller diaphragm, a bleed passage connecting such cavities, and means actuated by the movements of said diaphragms for moving said tracker-bar.

14. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a tracker-bar movable transversely of said music-sheet and having music ports, a rod slidably mounted on said bar, means for adjusting the position of said bar longitudinally on said rod, and means for moving said rod and bar together longitudinally, whereby the position of said music ports may be shifted transversely of said sheet relatively to such perforations.

15. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having music ports, a slide movable longitudinally of said bar, having an alinement port and a slot, a rod slidably mounted on said bar, a screw on said rod, a nut on said screw received in and matching to such slot, means for adjusting the position of said bar longitudinally on said rod, and means actuated by the lateral deviations of said sheet to expose or cover a greater portion of such alinement port, for moving said rod and bar together longitudinally, whereby the position of said music ports may be shifted transversely of said sheet relatively to such perforations.

16. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a tracker-bar movable transversely of said music-sheet and having music ports, a rod slidably mounted on said bar, rack-teeth on said rod, a pinion on said bar in mesh with said teeth, means for turning said pinion, notches on said rod, a dog on said bar adapted to engage such notches, and means for moving said rod and bar together longitudinally, whereby the position of such music ports may be shifted transversely of said sheet relatively to such perforations.

17. In a device of the character set forth, a traveling music-sheet having music perforations, a tracker-bar movable in both directions transversely of said sheet and having music ports, a slide movable longitudinally of said bar, having an alinement port and a slot, a rod slidably mounted on said bar, a screw on said rod, a nut on said screw, received in and matching to said slot, rack-teeth on said rod, a pinion on said bar in mesh with said teeth, and means for turning said pinion, notches on said rod, a dog on said bar adapted to engage such notches, a pneumatic actuated by the vibration of exposure of the area of such alinement port by said sheet, and connections from said pneumatic to said rod, whereby said rod and bar are movable together longitudinally and said music ports may be shifted transversely of said sheet relatively to such perforations.

18. A tracker-bar mounted to move transversely of a music-sheet, means for moving said bar automatically to maintain alinement of its music ports with the music perforations of said sheet, means carried by the tracker-bar for shifting said bar to vary the key in which the music is played, and means for holding said bar in such shifted position.

19. A tracker-bar mounted to move transversely of a music-sheet and having an alinement port, means actuated by the position of said sheet relatively to such alinement port for automatically maintaining aline ment of the music ports of said bar with the music perforations of said sheet, and means carried by the tracker-bar for shifting said bar and alinement port to vary the key in which the music is played and to maintain the alinement.

20. A tracker-bar mounted to move transversely of a music-sheet, a rod for mox ing said bar to maintain alinement of its music ports automatically with the music perforations of said sheet, means carried by the tracker-bar for shifting said bar relatively to said rod to vary the key in which the music is played, and means for holding said bar in the shifted position.

21. A tracker-bar mounted to move transversely of a music-sheet, a rod for moving said bar to maintain alinement of its music ports automatically with the music perforations of said sheet, rack-teeth on said rod, a pinion on said bar in mesh with said teeth, means for turning said pinion, notches in said rod, and a dog on said bar adapted to engage such notches.

In testimony that I claim the invention above set forth I affix my signature.

NUNEZ CLARENCE FERRIS. 

